baking

Vegan Sticky Sweet Char Siu Tofu

This Vegan Sticky Sweet Char Siu Tofu is a delightful twist on a classic dish that I adore for its deep, rich flavors and a beautiful sticky glaze that makes my taste buds dance.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium
Vegan Sticky Sweet Char Siu Tofu - Vegan recipe hero image

There’s something magical about cooking with intention, and this recipe is close to my heart.

I remember the first time I made char siu-style tofu; the aroma filled my kitchen and transported me back to my favorite Asian markets.

It’s a dish that truly celebrates plant-based ingredients, and I love how it brings a little adventure to my dinner table.

Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

I love using extra-firm tofu because it holds its shape beautifully and gets that nice crispy edge when baked. If you're in a pinch, you can use silken tofu, but it won't have the same texture. Also, feel free to swap in coconut aminos for a soy-free option, but it might be a tad sweeter.

Tips & Notes

  • I like to double the marinade and save some for a stir-fry later in the week; it’s super versatile!
  • To make it a complete meal, serve with steamed veggies and rice or quinoa.

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes I’ll add a splash of sriracha to the marinade for a bit of heat.
  • You could also throw in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli to roast alongside the tofu for added flavor.

Storage & Freezing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or a skillet to keep that lovely crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, tempeh or seitan would work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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This Vegan Sticky Sweet Char Siu Tofu is a delightful twist on a classic dish that I adore for its deep, rich flavors and a beautiful sticky glaze that makes my taste buds dance.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy skillet on top for about 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will be your marinade.

  4. 4

    Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes or strips, whatever you prefer.

  5. 5

    Toss the tofu in the marinade until it's well-coated. I love letting it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but you can do longer if you have the time.

  6. 6

    Spread the marinated tofu on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

  7. 7

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crispy.

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the tofu, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

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